Compulsive buying behavior and its association with emotional distress, depression, and impulsivity in general population: an online survey.

BACKGROUND

Compulsive buying behavior or pathological buying is increasingly being recognized as a psychiatric disorder, and various psychosocial factors have been proposed to contribute to this problem. This study aimed to identify the association between compulsive buying behavior, stress, anxiety, depression, and impulsivity.

METHODS

This cross-sectional, online survey used Google Forms to collect sociodemographic and clinical details of the participants between June 2021 and August 2021. In addition, they were evaluated on Pathological Buying Screener, Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale - 21 (DASS-21), and Barratt Impulsiveness Scale - Brief (BIS-Brief).

RESULTS

Out of 426 participants with valid responses, 169 (39.7%) qualified for pathological buying. The participant groups "with" and "without" pathological buying were comparable on sociodemographic characteristics, the preferred mode of shopping, and daily Internet use duration. Those "with" pathological buying scored significantly higher on DASS-21 and BIS-Brief. Both DASS-21 and BIS-Brief scores were predictors of pathological buying scores.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a significant association between pathological buying, psychological distress, and impulsivity.